NFLN brings back “Official Review”

Posted by Mike Florio on November 13, 2012, 9:41 PM EST

AP

The worst part about the departure of Mike Pereira from the league office was the disappearance of the “Official Review” segment from NFL Network’s Total Access. Through an on-air segment and a web-only session, Pereira addressed every Wednesday some of the questionable calls of the week that was.

Often, he was candid. Less frequently, he retreated to the role of company man. Sometimes, he avoided certain plays that were begging to be addressed. Still, the league needed that kind of transparency.

It’ll be returning soon.

Though the press release from NFLN says that “Official Review” is being introduced, the reality is that it’s being re-introduced. Featuring V.P. of officiating Carl Johnson and director of officiating Dean Blandino, the segment will appear on various NFL Network shows.

It’ll be interesting to see how critical Johnson and Blandino will be when it comes to the efforts of the officials. The reality is that, when it comes to any media owned and operated by the NFL, there’s a limit as to what can be said.

That’s why it still makes sense to listen to what non-NFL media are saying about questionable calls, such as Pereira (who’s now with FOX) and NBC officiating consultant Jim Daopoulos, who breaks down several questionable calls every Monday at 5:00 p.m. on NBC Sports Network’s Pro Football Talk.

What’s the point if they are just going to dodge the really bad calls. The NFL refs are the biggest joke in sports right now. Yes I am a hockey fan. Still, these guys fight for more money and then blow it every game. Fine the refs already! Enough with all this PR Bull.

Hockey refs are elite. Recruit some, teach them NFL rules, and let them get to work. I think that they have the hardest & fastest major sport in the US to ref and do the best job, regardless. For example, if they can spot a hockey puck in the mess of a crashed crease, they can spot a goal line football with ease.